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Release #260-96

MAYOR GIULIANI CONSIDERS FOUR PIECES OF CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATION

Remarks by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

There are four bills before me for consideration this afternoon.

Legislation Regarding Base Station Licenses to Providers of For-Hire-Vehicles

The first bill before me, Introductory Number 347-A, was introduced by Speaker Vallone and Council Members Dear, Eisland, Fisher, Leffler, McCaffrey and Marshall, and four of their colleagues. This bill would amend the New York City Administrative Code in relation to the issuance of base station licenses to providers of for-hire-vehicle services.

I agree with the sponsors of this bill that there is a need to address certain quality of life problems attributable to a small segment of the for-hire-vehicle industry. This legislation, however, would create an onerous regulatory scheme that would impose significant financial burdens on for-hire-vehicle service providers, lessen competition in the for-hire-vehicle industry and do little to alleviate the quality of life issues it purports to address. I have several concerns about the bill.

First, this legislation would require all licensed for-hire-vehicle base station operators to provide and utilize off-street parking facilities for affiliated vehicles waiting to be dispatched. This parking requirement would place a significant financial burden on for-hire-vehicle service providers that could lead to reductions in present service levels and ultimately put some exiting operators out of business. I strongly believe that a more sensible approach to the parking and quality of life issues generated by the operation of certain base stations would be to ensure that base stations operate in full compliance with existing zoning, traffic and parking regulations and to concentrate enforcement efforts in problem areas under existing traffic regulations.

Second, the bill would significantly restrict the authority of the Taxi and Limousine
ommission to issue a base station license in certain circumstances. For example, TLC would be required in determining whether to grant an application for a base station license, to consider the “adequacy of mass transportation facilities” in the community to be served by base stations and “any adverse impact that the proposed operation may have on those existing services.” However, in most instances, the service provided by for-hire vehicle complements, rather than substitutes for mass transit facilities, so that the existence of such facilities is largely irrelevant to the need for for-hire-vehicle service. TLC would also be required to consider the “extent and quality of service provided by existing lawful operating for-hire vehicles and taxicabs” before granting a base station license application. This provision would impede new entry and decrease competition in the for-hire-vehicle industry, with predictable consequences for for-hire-vehicle consumers.

Finally, the bill would authorize the Council to “call-up” and disapprove any determination by TLC to grant a base station license application. I believe that this provision is an improper and unacceptable encroachment by the Council on administrative functions properly left to the TLC. The decision to grant licenses is an administrative function which must be exercised in conformity with standards established by appropriate legislation. Chapter 65 of the Charter recognizes this in giving to the TLC the power to regulate and supervise “the business and industry of transportation of persons by licensed vehicles for hire.” By allowing the Council to superimpose itself on the licensing process, the bill would subject license applicants to the uncertainties of a legislative process which is not governed by any standards whatsoever.

As Mayor, I have sought to improve the quality of life for all New York City residents. In my view, the legislation before me is an ineffective response to the problems of the for-hire vehicle industry. I believe that new and more effective enforcement measures, implemented under existing statutes, will allow TLC to better address these problems.

I will first turn to the bill’s sponsors, and then to any other elected officials who wish to speak. Now, I will turn to the general audience: Is there anyone in the general audience to be heard in opposition? Is there anyone in the general audience to be heard in support? There being no one else to be heard, and for the reasons previously stated, I will reserve judgment on this legislation.

The Naming of “Sister Helen Patrick Howley Street” in the Borough of Brooklyn<P>
The next bill before me today, Introductory Number 748, sponsored by Council Members Robles, Fisher, Fusco and Foster, would add the name “Sr. Helen Patrick Howley Street” to Berry Street between South 2nd and South 3rd Streets, in the borough of Brooklyn.

Sister Helen Patrick Howley was born in Brooklyn on November 11, 1933 in a family of three children. She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Parochial School and Saint Brendan’s High School in Brooklyn. In 1952, she entered the Order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph for novitiate training. She had her first teaching assignment, in 1955, at St. Pascal’s Parochial School in Hollis, Queens. In 1961, she was sent to Ponce, Puerto Rico where she taught high school and earned her Bachelors Degree. She returned to Brooklyn in 1968, teaching at St. Joseph High School. After earning her Masters Degree in Spanish from Middlebury College, she became head of the Spanish Department at St. Joseph’s.

In 1978, Sister Helen became principal of Saints Peter and Paul Parochial School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where she became a vibrant force in the community. Not only a fine educator, she established a warm relationship with the predominantly Hispanic community.

Sister Helen was very active in the neighborhood. She spoke out against the storage of radioactive materials at the Radiac facility on Kent Avenue and fought to keep open the City-owned Metropolitan Pool. When the Williamsburg Bridge closed for repairs, she and her students were the first to take the ferry connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Every Halloween, Sister Helen hosted a “Haunted House” at the school, inviting the entire neighborhood to attend. Parents were very grateful for the evening of games, dancing and food that provided a safe and fun place for there children.

Sister Patrick Howley died of cancer on September 5, 1994. She is remembered by the Saints Peter and Paul congregation and school community as a very special person who was gentle and loving to the people with whom she worked and lived. Accordingly, this legislation adds her name at Berry Street between South 2nd and South 3rd Streets.

I will first turn to the sponsors of the bill, and then to any other elected official wishing to speak. Now I turn to the general audience. Is there anyone in the general audience to be heard in opposition? Is there anyone in the general audience to be heard in support? There being no one else to be heard, and for the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.

The Naming of “Reverend Joseph H. May Drive” in the Borough of Queens

The next bill before me today, Introductory Number 669, sponsored by Council Members Watkins and Foster, would add the name “Reverend Joseph H. May” Drive on Beach Channel Drive between Beach 40th Street and Beach 73rd Street, in the borough of Queens.

Reverend Joseph H. May was the sixth of twelve children born to Joseph and Mamie May in Greenville, North Carolina. Reverend May’s father, a Baptist pastor, died when he was a child, requiring him to assume adult responsibilities on the family farm. In 1941, he left Virginia Union University to come to New York and assist his younger brothers and sisters. Later that year, he entered the Army, was assigned to the all-Black 366th Infantry, and saw combat in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1945, he earned his Bachelors Degree from Long Island University. In 1949, he graduated from Union Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree.

On July 28, 1947, Reverend May became a pastor through ordination by the congregation at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. For forty years, he was a leader to his congregation and the Rockaway community. His many accomplishments include the Weekday Christian Education for Children program, tutorial programs, the Neighborhood Youth Corps and the Rockaway Vest Pocket Housing Project. He also served the community as Chair of the Rockaway Housing and Renewal Corporation and Chair of the Empire State Baptist Commission on Chaplains.

Due to poor health, Reverend May retired from the pastorate of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in 1987, after forty years of service. The congregation acknowledged his dedication by honoring him with the title “Pastor Emeritus.” Reverend May died on August 17, 1987 and is survived by his wife of 39 years, Bernice J. Robinson. Accordingly, this legislation adds his name to Beach Channel Drive between Beach 40th Street and Beach 37th Street.

I will first turn to the sponsors of the bill, and then to any other elected official wishing to speak. Now I turn to the general audience. Is there anyone in the general audience to be heard in opposition? Is there anyone in the general audience to be heard in support? There being no one else to be heard, and for the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.

The Naming of “Marie Walsh Corner” in the Borough of Brooklyn

The next bill before me today, Introductory Number 751-A, sponsored by Council Members Albanese and Foster, would add the name “Marie Walsh Corner” on the southwest corner of 84th Street and 7th Avenue, in Brooklyn.
Marie Dinu Walsh was born into an Italian-Romanian family in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on November 8, 1934. She attended St. Ephrems Grammar School, St. Joseph’s High School and Pace University. In 1952, she married Eugene Walsh, with whom she raised four sons.

Marie’s career started at First National City Bank, known today as Citibank, in 1952. She went to Goldman Sachs & Co. in 1957. From 1991-1994, she worked for the Lutheran Medical Shore Road Diagnosis Center.

Marie was a dedicated community activist for most of her adult life. From 1962-1985, she was a member of the Dyker Heights Civic Association, serving as the Recording Secretary, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and was honored by the Association with a Civic Award. She actively promoted the Dyker Heights Library and was a leader in the movement for the creation of the NYPD’s Civilian Complaint Review Board. She worked for the establishment of the B28X express bus to Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights. She was also a vocal give power to the local elected boards.
Marie also worked for the broader community. She was a member of the Bay Ridge Community Council from 1965-1994, served on its Executive Committee and received its Civic Award. She was a member of the Health Systems Agency and served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors from 1986-1994. She worked to gain funding for the Dynamite Youth Foundation, a residential drug program for young children. She helped Redeemer Community Day Camp establish its day camp facilities. As a member of FemCare, she dealt with women’s issues and breast cancer programs.

Marie’s concern for her community extended to political activities. As a charter member, she was active in the Kings County Conservative Party from 1962, and the Edmund Sterrace Republican Club from 1985.

After a two year battle with cancer, Marie Walsh died on August 22, 1994, in the Bay Ridge home where she was born and had lived her whole life. Accordingly, this legislation adds her name to the northeast corner of 84th Street and 7th Avenue.

I will first turn to the sponsors of the bill, and then to any other elected official wishing to speak. Now I turn to the general audience. Is there anyone in the general audience to be heard in opposition? Is there anyone in the general audience to be heard in support? There being no one else to be heard, and for the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.